Russian energy giant Gazprom has declared force majeure on some gas supplies to Europe, according to a report by Reuters referencing a letter in this regard.

Gazprom, which has a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, was not able to fulfill its supply obligations because of “extraordinary” circumstances.

It is believed the letter refers to supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, a major route for supplying Germany and beyond.

Currently, Nord Stream 1 is undergoing maintenance.

Using force majeure, which is invoked when something beyond a company’s control happens, will likely escalate tensions between Russia and the West over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special military operation”.

Despite sanctions imposed on Moscow, the EU aims to stop using Russian fossil fuels by 2027, but wants to continue using Russian supplies for now.

The Russian gas supply has dropped via major routes, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Nord Stream 1.